After 12 Years, They’re Diggin’ In The Rain

“Hardcore” supporters of the Rockaway Gateway Greenway, a multi-use path that when completed will encircle Jamaica Bay, broke ground Wednesday on a section that will run through the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge. “There was no way we weren’t going to have some sort of celebration,” said Gateway National Recreation Area Superintendent Billy G. Garrett, who led the rain-defying event. Planning for this part of the RGG took a staggering 12 years, Garrett said. Construction of the new $1.3 million path will begin at the south side of the Joseph Addabbo Memorial Bridge and continue 1.5 miles along the west side of Cross Bay Boulevard to the northern end of Broad Channel, according to the NPS. The path is intended for pedestrians, bicyclists and inline skaters – motorized vehicles are prohibited. Holding the shovels, from left to right, Community Board 14 District Manager Jonathan Gaska, Assemblywoman Audrey Pheffer, Community Board member and activist Dan Mundy, City Councilman Joseph Addabbo Jr., Congressman Anthony Weiner and Gateway Superintendent Billy G. Garrett.

The groundbreakers share a lighter – and drier – moment underneath the covered picnic section at the southwestern foot of the Joseph Addabbo Memorial Bridge. From left to right, Democratic District Leader Frank Gulluscio, CB14 DM Gaska, Assemblywoman Pheffer and CB14 member and activist Mundy.